Niger: Protection Officer (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS))

Duty Station: Niamey, Niger

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P2

Type of Appointment: Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 24 November 2022

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process.

For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

1. Internal candidates
2. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda; Aruba (Netherlands); Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Cuba; Curaçao; Fiji; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kingdom of Eswatini; Kiribati; Lao People's Democratic Republic (the); Latvia; Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Seychelles; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Timor-Leste; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states.

Context:

Any form of migration implies a redefinition of individual, family, group and collective identities, roles and value systems, which can put the individuals, the families and the communities involved under stress.

An inclusive and human rights-based approach that guarantees the availability and accessibility of psychosocial support and mental health care for all migrants (irrespective of their status) and their host communities can contribute to positive social, economic and cultural outcomes for migrants, their families, communities, and also the societies of both origin and destination countries. In Niger, IOM provides technical support to the government to enhance provision of MHPSS services to migrants in transit and returnees and is looking into progressively integrating MHPSS community-based components in other areas of intervention such as emergency, border management and community stabilization.

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Program and Policy Liaison Officer, the direct supervision of the Protection Coordinator, and with the technical support of the regional Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MPHSS) Coordinator, the Protection Officer (MHPSS) will support the IOM Niger Protection team to develop and implement Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Programs (MHPSS) and responsible and accountable for the implementation, coordination and monitoring of MHPSS activities in Niger.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Support management of MHPSS Projects in a timely manner, including resource mobilization, budget monitoring and maintaining relevant donor visibility in line with IOM rules and regulations.
2. Contribute to the development and implementation of a holistic and systemic MHPSS strategy for Niger CO, in line with the Inter Agency Standing committee (IASC) guidelines, the IOM Manual on Community-based MHPSS in Emergencies and Displacement and IOM MHPSS strategy for West and Central Africa.
3. Participate in the management and monitoring, both technically and administratively, the MHPSS Team. Ensure the provision of the adequate and suitable capacity building to the IOM MHPSS Team and relevant actors where applicable
4. Facilitate the establishment of comprehensive and clear work-plans for staff and MHPSSTeams, ensure timely weekly and monthly reporting on MHPSS activities are regularly shared with the PSU and other relevant stakeholders.
5. Participate in assessments of psychosocial and psychological needs, identify problems/gaps and propose/prioritize timely practical actions to respond to particular mental health and psychosocial issues related to the migrants transiting by IOM transit centres.
6. When needed and feasible, facilitate response to individual cases of concern, in close coordination with the other relevant teams (protection and medical notably), and refer or treat them as appropriate (e.g., screening, interview, counselling, referral or assistance, depending on program capacities), especially to the psychiatric hospital and other referral institutions for follow up.
7. Participate in inter-agency protection fora/meetings (e.g., MHPSS, protection, child-protection, gender-based violence, health, relevant task forces) when required and monitor the protection needs of mobile populations, as well as communities affected by mobility in coordination with the Protection Coordinator.
8. Prepare regular reports covering MHPSS activities. Facilitate the preparation of briefing, statistical/narrative reports and background information as required, including specific information requested by Officials and other entities.
9. Grow partnerships of IOM on psychosocial and mental health interventions and represent IOM in mental health relevant coordination groups and fora. Assist with the draft and coordination of cooperation agreements, Memoranda of Understanding (MoU)with government entities, donors, partner agencies, NGOs, contractors, and other stakeholders when relevant, in close coordination with the Protection Coordinator and colleagues from the Procurement and Logistic unit.
10. Undertake travel duties, in line with prevailing security restrictions, relating to project assessments, liaison with counterparts, and project implementation, as required.
11. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Counselling, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Sound experience in Mental Health & psychosocial support;
• Experience in provision of integrated psychosocial support to migrants;
• Proven experience in humanitarian settings is considered an advantage; Experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, protection and human rights;
• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, other national/international institutions, and NGOs, as well as in the Region, is an asset;
• Working experience with an operational UN agency or a major international NGO in the field of protection and assistance of refugees, internally displaced people, and migrants; and,
• Experience with counter trafficking, child protection or case management assistance for vulnerable migrants.

Skills

• Ability to work in dynamic, fast-paced environment;
• Knowledge of international protection standards;
• Knowledge of case management principles is an asset;
• Good writing skills in required languages will be an asset;
• Knowledge of reintegration needs of migrants, and,
• Counseling and training skills.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

External applicants for all positions in the Professional category are required to be proficient in English and have at least a working knowledge of one additional UN Language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).

For all applicants, fluency in English and French is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of regional languages is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Notes

Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies:

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.
• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• Leadership: provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the organization’s vision; assists others to realize and develop their potential.
• Empowering others & building trust: creates an atmosphere of trust and an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Strategic thinking and vision: works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.pdf

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.

How to apply

To apply, interested applicants are invited to submit their applications HERE via the IOM e-Recruitment system by 24 November 2022.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information please refer to: www.iom.int/recruitment

Posting period:

From 11.11.2022 to 24.11.2022

No Fees:

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

Requisition: VN 2022 393 Protection Officer (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)) (P2) Niamey, Niger (57835210) Released

Posting: Posting NC57835211 (57835211) Released